China hits back at EU over electric car tariffs: How bad could the trade dispute get?

Talking Europe

European Union member states have narrowly backed import duties on Chinese-made electric cars, over what the EU considers to be unfair competition. Tariffs of up to 45 percent are set to be imposed from next month for five years. Chinese carmakers have criticised the EU's move, but are moving ahead with plans to expand in Europe and have so far not said that they will raise prices to cover the cost of the tariffs. However, the Chinese government says it is investigating some EU imports, such as pork or dairy products, from countries including Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany, as well as brandy and wine imports from France. That has sparked concerns of possible challenges at the World Trade Organization, and a worsening dispute between Brussels and Beijing. We delve into what's at stake with two MEPs.